1st Cook - Ocean Cruise Ship

About the role

Mystic Ocean, a new ocean cruise company based in Portugal offering cruises to the Mediterranean, Baltic and North Seas, is hiring a 1st Cook. The cook works in the galley under the guidance of the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, preparing food to company standards and HACCP protocols while ensuring high quality and guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare food items according to the assigned section, recipes and food safety standards, following the superior's instructions on portion and quality control.
• Follow food safety and sanitation standards and HACCP protocols, and check the workstation before each shift with the appropriate checklist.
• Keep machines and equipment in good repair and notify maintenance needs to supervisors; keep galley equipment clean and sanitized.
• Guide Assistant Cooks, help new crew understand their duties and integrate them into the team, and lead by example.
• Ensure side dishes, soups and hot appetizers are served as fresh as possible and that enough food is produced for each service.
• Minimise food spoilage, use tested surplus foods safely, discard potentially hazardous items and comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Perform other duties assigned by management or the direct superior, such as gangway duties, storing and luggage handling.

Required profile

• At least 5 years of practical kitchen experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen (two years on a cruise ship preferred).
• Certified medically and physically fit to work in a food preparation area.
• Good command of English.
• Basic school education.

Required skills

• Sound knowledge of USPH/SHIPSAN sanitation standards, food safety and HACCP controls.
• Good knowledge of international cuisine and galley preparations.
• Ability to handle quality control and production control of passenger and crew menus.
• Ability to work in a harmonious, productive team.